Tuesday, June 02, 2009

CHRISSED

Today is a special day. It's Chris's birthday!

I wish I could tell you all what I have planned for his birthday celebration but then he would know! It's a surprise and he is going to LOVE it. Come back Saturday to find out what we did.

When I think of C, I think of this quote:
"Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is never to be irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed and despised."

He is one of the most humble people I have ever met. I see it all the time: when his rugby teammates vote him Clubmember of the Year.... again!... and he is genuinely surprised and appreciative. When he gets a fantastic performance review and chalks it up to just doing his job. When he is aggravated or frustrated, he never passes blame but wracks his brain thinking of a solution.

He handles his anger better than most people I know. He is SO patient and is a big believer in being calm and gentle in a hot situation, instead of raising his voice or getting worked up. He's very sensitive to how other people feel in ways I don't even pretend to be. He's everyone's friend.

I've talked before about how hard-working he is. He works his butt off at any task or chore he is given (or that he gives himself). This past month, the project has been cutting tree limbs before one falls on his house, and after many weekends spent up in the trees like a chainsaw-wielding monkey, there is not a single tree limb left out there. He got the job done! He is so diligent and focused, which sometimes drives me crazy (like when I want him to play with me instead). But he is very wise with his time and works very hard so that he can play very hard.

He is very patient with me and all of my quirks and hangups. He was so supportive through the move, through the wreck, through it all. Last week, when he arrived home to me crying on his couch, he just scooped me up and didn't say a word. He's a great best friend.

And, one of the main reasons I think he is just so wonderful, is watching him around these guys. Meet Thing 1 and Thing 2:
They are very lucky to have such a great Dad. Two nights ago, I was at his house and almost shed a tear listening to C help Thing 2 with her bedtime prayers. While they were asking God to help her not lie about having to go to the potty to avoid bedtime, I was lifting up a prayer of my own: one of thanksgiving for this man, this relationship and this life.

Chris, I am so glad to be your birthday fairy. The mountains we've had to climb only create a higher place for me to stand and declare how incredibly proud I am of all that you do and how great I feel when I am with you. May your next year of life be your best one yet!

10 comments:

  1. Linds, that was beautiful. Now I love him, too!!!! Happy Birthday Chris!!!!! I can't wait to hear what you all do to celebrate!!!

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  2. And I can't wait to hear what all YOU do to celebrate! Happy anniversary, Wife of The Son of a Preacher Man :)

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  3. Don't do it! Stop the tingly nose feeling. The scratchy eyes. That's not a tear and curled lip forming on my face, I swear!

    Linny, first, thank you for this special message. You make me laugh and sing every day, helping me to feel 10 years younger than this day really signifies (ahhh, don't ask, this one actually stings a bit;) and I really appreciate that.

    2nd, of course, I always thought it a little sappy when your friends say they'd get gushy reading their personal tributes, but I couldn't empathize. Well, you got me.

    You've got me.

    Thanks, sweet thing. Wanna go to Vegas?

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  4. I think I'm in love. Don't tell my husband.

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  5. Along with everyone else, I almost cried... and I don't cry. :) Top ten sweetest blog posts ever. I can't wait to hear what you guys do to celebrate his birthday!

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  6. Happy birthday, Chris! Obviously, my precious friend takes great delight in you. And from the things I hear, the feelings are mutual!! What a sweet, sweet post!

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  7. ditto to all of the previous comments. happy birthday C. I am in love with him now too thanks to this post. I also had tears welled up and am thrilled for yall and that he makes you the happiest girl ever!

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  8. happy birthday, C! thanks for taking such good care of our sweet LJ.

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  9. Happy birthday, Chris! High five on dating Lindsay and being (apparently) awesome :)

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Oh goody!

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